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 Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 4:43 am
Year 203
Epsilon Empire of Drosselmeyer
Third Year into the Reign of Emperor Azazel
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Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:56 am
✺Forgotten SonEC: 100 Motion was the mode of progress for the count and his, those who would follow him at the breakneck pace he went, for the months after his last talk with Chusi Chhatrapati and the stark closure of his final goodbye to Queen Ophelia. Dixon made it apparent that whatever he could accomplish in a day was inadequate weighed against the expectations he held for Tomorrow's Ethe--despite the strides they had made--and only the butler Bernard knew what was really driving the count; Dixon Titanus was running, praying beyond hope that the dirt he kicked up would settle and bury the sins he'd left behind.
... And wouldn't you know it was working? Today Ethe was an entirely new country. Their economy was diverse, stable, grounded. The emphasis on tired old tactics was giving way to a newly emboldened intellect and literati forming. The lay people were less taxed and more educated, driving crime rate down in an equal proportion to the upswing in productivity. Art was becoming less a pastime for those who could afford apprenticeship and more valued as a legitimate career. Those with talent were seen not as weak and inept physically but simply having a different calling in life. All around deals were being made to patch up what they did not have, while at the same time efforts were made to gain self-sufficiency in those areas (the second sector proved to be the most troublesome, with Zalto having a stranglehold on refineries in the realm). The peerage was strong, and with Youkimi on the throne it seemed that Ethe would grow to outlast perhaps even their storied rivals in Bellris...
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--With the war looming over Ethe's head it certain was something on the count's mind, in addition to all these other things--the upkeep, he was finding, was more than he bargained for, and because of his schedule the count had actually grown somewhat gaunt in appearance without losing his rumored strength--as he awaited the arrival of one of his few friends and confidantes: Lord Xerseis of Phobos. That man, thought the count as he rested on a wicker chair in his foyer, was one of those who truly understood him, for when he preached his doctrine to the dragon there was excitement in majority and a minor impurity of boredom in his countenance instead of confusion or bewilderment. That, concluded the count, was what he wanted. People should come to that conclusion, that sustaining drive toward Tomorrow, on their own.
Outside was the business of mind of the count made manifest in the beating feet and hammering hands of those who were there to see that Dixon's orders were carried out swiftly--which of course meant some decision-making by those he trusted-and by the newly formed sculpture workshop around the back of the edifice. These sounds and the smell of dust and wood were the greeting the duke would receive before he was welcomed by Bernard.
"Hail good Duke!" bid the butler with a glad nod and smile. "I do hope you'll excuse the state of our house--we have been quite busy as of late." He took a step back, beginning to turn toward the estate. "The master is waiting in the foyer." Inside, Dixon appeared to be somewhere close to sleep with head resting on fist on the somewhat feeble-looking arm of the wicker. Smoke had laid their like an old guard dog, stirred languidly but dutifully by the coming footsteps of those who would enter. Upon sensing this, perhaps, Dixon pulled himself into an acceptable if pensive pose and brought his steely (rusted) gaze to the Dragon of Shadows.
"Ah, very good..." He straightened himself out. "I'm glad they didn't stop you at the border, my good man. These are bothersome times for everything, especially travel." Without so much ceremony as before, the count made two gestures: to dismiss his help from the room, somewhat forcefully, and to direct the dragon to a seat saddled with a table that held an amber bottle and glass.
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Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 12:57 pm
Ali Ababva, Lord Xerseis 
Gone's the wisdom
Of a thousand years
A world in fire and chains and fear
Arriving once again in Titania, the crystalline dragon folded his wings to his back at the gates of the main estate and stretched. The fair weather seemed a unique blessing on the land, despite the turnoil and upheaval of so many lives that he flew over on the way in. Even now, there were refugees spilling into the land, who seemed to be quietly taken in by the soldiers and dispersed amongst the nation. Ethe seemed quiet, however, in its allocation of soldiers. The empire would certainly have demanded Ethe's support in the fight, but though the nation was recovering and was at last economically stable, this dragon doubted that they had the manpower to be effective in combat, and from what he was reading of the current Queen Regent's philosophy, she had no desire to lend aid to the empire to destroy another nation, even against a traditional rival. One would think that she was afraid of war by the way she avoided basking in it, though it erupted about as violently as the mountain had only a few years ago.
The dragon introduced himself to one of the guards at the gate and patiently waited to be directed inside. He came alone this day, and that suited him well enough. He was hearing plenty, indeed, from his myriad of sources that were scattered about the empire.... Fortunately, those who were armed among his men were long ready to move.
Once inside, he couldn't help but smile at the greeting. "Likewise. It would have been troublesome to explain what a dragon would want from the frozen country."
He moved to the gestured seat and made himself comfortable. Soon enough, he helped himself to a drink from the bottle. Mm.... from the color, it seemed to be port. He held the glass to his nose and inhaled. Ah, so that's what it was. He looked forward to enjoying it.
He looked to his feathered friend. He was looking a little out of sorts, and somewhat less than the image of power that he was in conversation and amongst the common folk. He had an impressive way of relating to them, as warm as Ethe's fabled fire, yet as firm as nobility was expected to be. It earned him respect and the jealousy of some of the new nobility who began to mimic him.
"Given the state of things, would you prefer to get on directly with the business or learn where we stand?"
Leads me to a place so far
Deep down it lies my secret vision
I better keep it safe
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Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 2:52 pm
✺Forgotten SonEC: 100
Looking at him, the opposite could be said of the dragon's energy reserves. Something must've been going quite well in his territory. Regardless of how his fatigue was showing, it couldn't hide the smile this brought to his face: "Good to see you have that kind of vigor left, but I'm just as interested in what business you have as how you've managed this year." Dixon, perhaps out of character, left it to the multifaceted dragon to dictate the direction and pace of the conversation. He was in no rush. The count wrapped a leg over the other and rested laced fingers on his knee, replacing the pale mask of fatigue with a porcelain coat of poise. The muffled hammer strokes seemed to be nearer, though it was clear by this and the books strewn about that this was where the count came to get away from it all.
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Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 3:16 pm
Ali Ababva, Lord Xerseis
Gone's the wisdom
Of a thousand years
A world in fire and chains and fear
Well, that the count before him seemed at ease, or at least hoping for it, did alert the dragon to a few things. Not the least of which was a lack of urgency. He was calm, and seemed to take after his tutor and mentor well. Perhaps some of her family's noted chill and demeanor had rubbed off on him. Or, perhaps he had misread the nation's situation? Even if he hadn't, perhaps this wasn't the necessary means of manipulating it. The dragon swirled the contents of his drink, coaxing out its aroma before letting some of it drift across his tongue.
"This recent year has been good for our nation. We have a means of harvest now that is more sustainable, with roots and ground-plants that should thrive in our climate and sustain our people. There has been a recent influx of citizens, who our king doesn't have desire to turn away." He braced his elbows on the chair and leaned back. This was a well-made chair, he noted. "I am yet uncertain what plans my king has, but I am happy to note that the number of men under my command has risen significantly, both in the past year, and as a direct result of the emperor's current... political move."
It was, in a way, a shame that it took such a large thing to make people stand up and act, but it was favorable for his cause. His numbers had nearly tripled as young men, displaced by this new war, grew violently angry and wanted to fight the crown specifically and especially on behalf of the princess who seemed to begin taking action.
"What does your queen regent intend to do about the empire? I imagine they have reached out and politely demanded manpower and arms for their side."
Leads me to a place so far
Deep down it lies my secret vision
I better keep it safe
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Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:39 pm
✺Forgotten SonEC: 100
"Good to hear it," rejoined the count after a short drag from his cigarette, one of a dozen or so he'd rolled just the day before. He found the quality of the air was absolutely perfect for the drying of tobacco, and perhaps it showed in the misty half-vanishing his face performed with its trapeze partner. The way he returned from that cloud seemed apropos of his race. "--but I'm afraid it means little to me, this shared prosperity you speak of." Because... "Call it a hunch, but I don't think a man like you would have it in his mind at all to suffer a loss; even if the Empire crushes Herod, you'd find profit in it."
"We are not getting involved at the time," dash dash. "--though I'd sooner put you to the coals than ask you to tell our new duchess that..."
He shrugged that off. "Rotten thing it is. Poor girl's got everything going for her when she's on the battlefield. Can't hardly think to live without fresh rubies for her hilt, mm?" He waved a hand, sending a wave of smoke and the topic down and away. "But... To answer you question, Youkimi hasn't forgotten what Azazel has done to Ophelia. Death is not a balance to many accounts; rest assured that our honor's mode is vengeance this time around." He shook his head softly, tossing fingers up next to his temple with a smoldering cherry aglow at his knee. "I will wait until he pursues us for the death of his daughter. He is no coward. He'll come." The weariness in his voice was evident in the way it failed to hold back the venom. Perhaps the count had hardened after all that war and work. His eyes were still as steely as ever, holding the dragon's gaze as though he had everything to say on the details of the matter.
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Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 1:02 am
Ali Ababva, Lord Xerseis
Gone's the wisdom
Of a thousand years
A world in fire and chains and fear
The crystal dragon took note of the tone and the words that the count used. He didn't seem terribly bothered about his nation not getting involved in the war. Though, there were clearly things on his mind. As he drank from the glass, he found it interesting to hear that even the chilled Kai could hold a grudge.
Then again, their loyalty to Ethe and its royalty was almost legendary, which seemed echoed in Dixon's attitude for his country and the pride he had in his people.
The phoenix was correct, though. Though he was a lord of Phoebos, at the end of the day, Xerseis was a lord that took care of his affairs and would not be felled if the kingdom collapsed and returned to its barest roots. The crystals had worth wherever they went.
As for the emperor... that was quite unrepentant. It was almost nice to hear that there was an actual, if vague, plan in place for the next step. Eventually, yes, if the emperor cared for his daughter, he would respond. However, given his track record with his children, there was the distinct chance that he wouldn't care if it wasn't for the blow to his own ego that came as a result of this untimely death. Ursula was not well loved of the people to begin with. She was a symbol of the one who sent her, who was also hated, if the reason was not largely known.
The dragon, unable to improve on that display of deep-seated hatred, merely smiled and hummed affirmatively.
"It sounds as though you have most everything in hand, then. What shall we talk about to pass the time, you and I?"
Leads me to a place so far
Deep down it lies my secret vision
I better keep it safe
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Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 10:27 am
✺Forgotten SonEC: 100
"Is that how it sounds?" Dixon couldn't help chuckle at the thought. "I must remember to congratulate myself: nothing could be more professional than sounding grounded with... less than stable ground beneath." His hand did a little flick, to signal that the chase for eloquence had left him. A cloud rolled over the small window in the room and smacked the light down to where the smoke had settled.
"--in any event," continued the count on the other end of a darkened, flickering drag, "I'm sure there are things that need attention other than that petty war." This was the man who'd written the manifesto detailing his new canon for the arts, after all. It was sent out to each of the kingdoms, meant to be read and understood by those who would mind him that the reborn kingdom of Ethe has taken the lead in artistic and scientific endeavors. "I'm sure you're aware of where we stand now, mm? I have... visions. Visions of a world in which the only battlefield is academia."
"You might think it's ridiculous, profiting from war and all, but I believe you are one of those with the capacity to appreciate such a place." His face seemed to grow very serious, revealed to have changed at some unknown time as the shadow left the room. It was as though he was holding the dragon to a solemn oath...
"My good duke, what future do you see for your people?"
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Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 12:45 pm
Ali Ababva, Lord Xerseis
Gone's the wisdom
Of a thousand years
A world in fire and chains and fear
An interesting series of thoughts, indeed. The two of them had different philosophies, but fortunately, Dixon was very aware of them and did nothing to force his opinion on this dragon. They might not have gotten along as well as they did if this was not the case.
The dragon swirled his drink around, half the level it was when he initially poured. He wanted to pace himself and be present in the moment.
What future did he see...
Ali leaned back in his seat and hummed a low and thoughtful note. The world was fearful. There was death and terrifying destruction. Delightful fires and intriguing gossip.
"For my people.... I suppose I want there to be intrigue and freedom. Debate and laughter. A smarter and stronger people." He glanced to his drink and how it swirled in his hand. "Wisdom doesn't come easily in peacetime."
Leads me to a place so far
Deep down it lies my secret vision
I better keep it safe
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Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 1:06 pm
✺Forgotten SonEC: 100
"Oh?" He did love a good debate--or at least he had learned to in the past couple years, what with his intellectual pursuits and all--so this bit of contest from the ducal dragon didn't seem to bother Dixon very much at all; his smirk showed that he was quite pleased with the reaction and thought spent on it. He leaned forward a bit. "What makes you say that? Can't very well populate a school with soldiers--they're simply two different breeds!"
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════The chuckle was clipping off at the top before it could blossom by the abrupt noise of someone entering the room--well, at least the door had been opened. No one stood in the way; Dixon nodded to the empty corridor and pushed himself out of the wicker chair with a creak to match the look on his tired face. He motioned for the dragon to follow, saying something about staying on schedule, that it was as important as any conversation he could have with the duke.
Outside the count was quickly equipped with a sword. This blade seemed to be quite heavy, taking two servants to lift to him comfortably. It made a low chunk when it set itself in Dixon's hands. He seemed to be able to handle it reasonably well, using two hands but waving it and slicing the air with more speed than might be thought possible with such a bulky thing.
"Must keep moving, you know..." And he swung again, appearing to get warmed up. He would continue in this way for a few moments, performing lunges and a variety of slashes before he considered himself ready. At his nod, the men start throwing logs at the count. With big, powerful strokes, he made kindling out of each of them. A very natural smirk rested on his lips the entire time this went on.
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Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 1:37 pm
Ali Ababva, Lord Xerseis
Gone's the wisdom
Of a thousand years
A world in fire and chains and fear
The dragon smiled. At last someone who wasn't afraid of openly conversing and even challenging him. He chuckled and answered the count's reply. "Intelligence and wisdom are two very different things. Can you not say that your nation as a whole isn't wiser for its experience after the ashfall and lava? The people are wiser, and what they learned isn't something that any textbook or master would have been able to teach them."
Their discussion was brought to a pause, however, with the knock, and then the strange things that followed. Or rather, they seemed strange to this dragon, who wasn't quite used to personally seeing glimpses into the personal lives of others. He added a few more drops of the beverage to his glass and brought it with him as he followed the count. They left. A heavy sword was placed in his hands. Then he was thrown, or rather, he walked himself through a gauntlet of wood, effectively turning the thicker logs into kindling that could easily be used by the kitchens or any of the smiths.
The visiting duke was impressed, but at the same time, he found himself enjoying the activity vicariously. Perhaps he should set up a similar form of practice for his own blade. How long had it been since he had reason to practice?
"I see you have well learned from your experience," Lord Xerseis said as he lifted the glass again. "You do not let yourself grow weak."
Leads me to a place so far
Deep down it lies my secret vision
I better keep it safe
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Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 1:55 pm
✺Forgotten SonEC: 100
"Of course not," answered the count between swings. The blade seemed to be holding a separate conversation with him as well, judging by the way his attention seemed so evenly divided. It all begged the question: who was the sidebar? Dixon stepped through another clean swing, cleaving a log in tow large halves that landed on either side of him. "A man could not ask his nation to be resolute if he weren't tough himself--"chinngg! "--and I've always believed a man can only be as strong as his homecountry."
The voice of the count seemed to taper off more and more with each swing and interjection. Mind you, he wasn't dissatisfied with anything the duke had said, but...
About a half hour of this went on at full intensity, with a surprise visit from Bernard the ballistic butler who brandished a volley of blades at the count. By the end of it Dixon seemed to have gotten a very bracing workout indeed. He had been turned away from the dragon, but turned to face him with an odd combination of determination and disarming jovialty on him. There seemed to be another addition as well. This time Dixon had what appeared to be a huge, X-shaped scar sprawled over his face. He didn't seem to notice.
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Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 5:14 pm
Ali Ababva, Lord Xerseis
Gone's the wisdom
Of a thousand years
A world in fire and chains and fear
The Dragon stood safely aside as he watched the practice and held conversation to the best of his ability. Frankly, he ws enjoying just watching,or rather, having an excuse to be silent while he plotted arranging such a method of practice for himself. With the assumption, of course, that he would actually use it and not find himself lazy at opportune moments.
When Dixon turned to face him, the scar became visible. He had recently asked for a servant to bring him the bottle that was left behind in the room, and it was now in his off hand, ready to refill his glass. Were he concerned about the scar aomehow being a dangerous wound, he would have offered Dixon a glass.
However, Dixon hadn't seemed to notice. Yet.
"I failed to notice earier, but how long hve you had that scar across your face?" The dragon began to pour, only adding half the glass' capacity. "What kind of fights have you been getting into?"
Leads me to a place so far
Deep down it lies my secret vision
I better keep it safe
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Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 5:31 pm
✺Forgotten SonEC: 100
The count froze mid-chuckle, leaving behind a stupid, unwitting smile on that otherwise spotless mug of his. "I..." He had no words. Eventually, though, he thought to laugh it off, motioning his men to leave him. There was a shadow; Bernard needed more convincing; Dixon sent him away with a more grave nod than he would've given the others.
"See, old boy... It's been quite a war for me after all." And so, sun as witness, the count told the dragon in full what had happened that fateful day in the city buried in volcanic ash. It was ridiculous enough to be all fake, but not once did Dixon break, for moments after he'd finished as well.
"... And that's exactly why I mind my temper," he explained. "I noticed it a few days after. Whenever I would start to get excited, irritated, stressed--even startled, why not--the marks left on me by the goddess would flare to life. You could imagine the inconvenience..." He turned away: closest thing to hanging his head the prideful man would ever do in such company. "I don't expect you to believe it, but know that I cannot afford to be the same man I was at the start of this... go, at nobility." his voice was thinner, vapid almost, and clung to the breeze without having to turn to face the dragon of shadows.
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Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 6:04 pm
Ali Ababva, Lord Xerseis
Gone's the wisdom
Of a thousand years
A world in fire and chains and fear
To the extent that many would be surprised of, the phoenix disclosed his story. The dragon, having not taken a drink from the newest pour, offered it to Dixon, who bore scars that chose to appear. The explanation made about as much sense as anything else involving the goddess, and if that was the last vestige of her on the planet, would it linger as a mark upon Dixon only or would it carry generationally closer to the Chhatrappati curse? Who could say?
"The way you shooed out the others leads me to believe that no one else knows about this."
Leads me to a place so far
Deep down it lies my secret vision
I better keep it safe
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